The model club I belong to is having a contest in January (2005) devoted to the P-40 (any scale/any variant). I would like suggestions from “the gallery” as to what I could build. Would prefer 1/72 or 1/48, and since I plan to enter “out of the box” catagory, I would like it pretty detailed, although I do not mind adding seatbelts and/or aftermarket decals. My skills are getting better, I would rate as basic/just past begginner. I already have the Academy P-40M/N, which I am doing as a “M”, 112 Squadron RAF. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help!
In 1/72 scale the Academy P-40E/M/N kits are the best IMHO, although the older Hasegawa offerings aren’t bad. In 1/48, the old Mauve P-40N/M’s are the best and with the more recent re-boxing by Eduard with added detail and superior decals they are an excellent choice. HobbyCraft makes a decent P-40B, also re-boxed by Academy, and Trumpeter has announced a new tool in 1/48, probably a scaled down version of their new 1/32 kit, but not yet available. The “new” AmTech P-40 kits appear to be modified tools of the old AMT kits, but are pretty good. Really can’t go too far wrong with any of these kits.
I have only built one P-40, and it was the Monogram kit, it was a good build and I was happy with the results, but it is not really a competition model due to the lack of interior detail but it is not hard to upgrade it for less than it would cost to buy a newer kit. if you are close to beginner then I would conserder buying it, they are usually found for under ten dollars, at model swap meets, and even at Wal-Mart. Good luck to you though and I hope you find the kit best suited to your needs. If you ever build a bomber or want to build one come to THE BOMBER GROUP BUILD.[:D]
I like the Tuskegee idea. It would be something other than the common flying tiger theme. Don’t get me wrong, the AVG is a very cool and deserving subject… it just seems to be one of the more used P-40 schemes. I’ve always wanted to do the P-40 that “Gabby” Gabreski flew in Pearl. (I’d need to do some serious research though.)
steer clear of the revell kit. i dont recomend it for those who dont like the smell of filler. it also has a serious lack of detail for the cockpit(doesnt have one). i look forward to building the hobbycraft and trumpeter kits. but remember this is just my opinion.